Job Description Summary:
In the heart of the nation’s capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University (GW) was created by an Act of Congress in 1821. Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. The University offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs. Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students. As one of the largest private employers in the District of Columbia, the University seeks employees who support the teaching, research, and public service mission of the University.

The Tax Department, under the Finance Division, is responsible for the university’s compliance with federal and state reporting requirements and to protect the university’s tax-exempt status. The Tax Department also provides guidance concerning tax withholding and reporting of payments made to international students, scholars and visitors to GW.

The Senior Tax Accountant reports directly to the Tax Director and works under limited supervision to perform the following duties:
Reviews documentary support and prepares work papers from other university departments. Analyzes investment partnership K-1’s and hotel book data to capture unrelated business income for both federal and state tax purposes. Performs Form 1042 data analysis and annual compliance filings.
This position leads the team in the identification and interpretation of university tax consulting and compliance issues as well as non-resident alien tax (NRA) tax compliance. Determines appropriate tax treatment and provides tax instructions to AP and Payroll with respect to payments to international students, scholars and vendors.
Serves as a liaison representing the Tax Department at campus/department trainings and seminars as needed. Prepares tax materials and presents on annual international student tax workshop.
Consults with department heads and their staffs to obtain information concerning reporting requirements, status of accounts, or specific statistical and accounting data.
Conducts state and local tax research; maintains and renews state sales tax exemptions as needed.
Corresponds with federal, state, and local tax authorities as needed.
Participates in meetings, reviews and evaluates reporting problems and recommending improvements in methods to correct such problems.
Prepares special projects at requests of supervisor.
Performs other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

This position reports to the Ashburn location with the potential to occasionally telecommute upon successful completion of the Introductory Employment Period.
Minimum Qualifications:
Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 5 years of relevant professional experience, or, a Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study plus 3 years of relevant professional experience. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Additional Required Licenses/Certifications/Posting Specific Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, including coursework in accounting, preferred.
Technical tax and/or accounting experience.
Higher Education and/or Non-Profit experience is highly desirable.
Customer service orientation combined with creative problem-solving skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Proven ability to work effectively as part of a team, yet function well with independent responsibilities.
Advanced Excel and Word skills.